The section of the AGM minutes covering the project are here:

11. Presentation on South London Theatre (SLT) in the Old Fire Station (OFS):

11.1 The presentation was given by Bob Callender. SLT has some 400 adult and 100 child members and puts on new productions most weeks. It has no paid staff and all participation, whether on-stage or back-stage is voluntary. It receives no public funding.

11.2 The OFS was converted to a theatre in 1967 and is badly in need of restoration. Without this, there is a risk it could have to close and SLT would need to seek alternative premises. The OFS is registered as a building of national interest by English Heritage and is on their “at risk” list. A professional project management team, with architects, has been engaged to produce a restoration plan and it is intended to approach the Heritage Lottery Fund for funding early in 2011.

11.3 In order for a funding bid from the Heritage Lottery Fund to succeed it is necessary for the wider community to be involved, mainly in the following ways:

• Find local groups to use the building (after restoration) during weekday daytimes. Charges for use are likely to be very low.
• Volunteers needed to learn about the local heritage and help educate others.
• Volunteers to help with delivery of the restoration project.

11.4 Forum members were asked to complete questionnaires that Mr Callender had left on each seat and were encouraged to visit www.southlondontheatre.co.uk for further information. Open Days at the OFS are also planned for 18 and 19 September. Chair encouraged Forum members to support this project and invited Mr Callender to make a further presentation to the Forum to report on progress.